What Is Oil Pulling and Why You Should Try It

I was listening to the Mind Body Green Podcast on a Tuesday evening walk. And the guest was Gisele bunchden, have you heard of her? Or am I the only one obsessed with models lifestyles?

She was talking about how her morning routine and how she does oil pulling first thing in the morning.

I had read about oil pulling but I had no idea what it was so I started to dig a little deeper.

You can use any oil and swish it around your mouth for 20 mins. You can start with 5 minutes and build up to 20 minutes. Also, you can choose any oil then spit it in the trash.

I was intrigued so decided to try it myself. I’ve been doing it for only a week so I haven’t seen significant difference. However, I did notice my digestion get better and my teeth look brighter.

It originated in India and has been an ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Toxins and bacteria naturally build up in the mouth, that cause a bunch of health issues.

Oil pulling is known to literally “pull” the toxins and bacteria out of your mouth. The toxins get stuck to the oil and when you spit it out, you’re creating a clean environment.

Whitens Teeth

There isn’t a need for whitening strips, when the oil contains antibiotic and antiviral properties that will brighten your teeth. I’ve already seen a difference and I’ve only been doing it for about a week.

Need more proof? Just look at Gywneth Paltrows or Shailene Woodley’s smile, they practice oil pulling each morning.

A study in 2009, published by the India Journal of Dental Research found that in comparison to mouthwash, swishing with sesame oil reduced plaque, modified scores of gingivitis.

Kills harmful bacteria

There are about 700 different types of bacteria in your mouth and 350 types at any given time. As you eat or drink, you swallow the bacteria so your liver has to do more work to keep your body running optimally.

In a recent study, 60 participants rinse their mouths using either mouthwash, water or coconut oil for two week and the results showed significant reduction in the number of bacteria found in saliva.

Lowering the number of bacteria in the mouth can help support oral hygiene and prevent some conditions.

Increase Energy

Your immune system drains your energy to help your body clear out the toxic waste from your body.

Removing the toxins through oil pulling reduces the work your body has to do so you notice higher energy levels.

Detoxifies Your Body

Your mouth is the gateway to the body for contamination leading to diseases and illnesses.

So removing the toxins at the root cause will protect it from spreading through out your body.

Personally, I’ve seen an improvement in my digestion. It also helps with balancing hormones and aids your body to function at its best.

Cures Headaches

When the body is under toxic stress, headaches and migraines. It is your bodies language to tell you that you need to recover.

When you pull out the toxins through oil pulling it can prevent headaches.

Also, it is known to cure hangovers. So now you know, you can reach out for a tablespoon of oil on a Sunday morning (wink, wink)

Clears Skin

Removing toxins from the body prevents them from making into the bloodstream which helps your skin glow.

It can help with inflammation and other skin issues or even clear up completely.

There isn’t very much scientific evidence supporting the benefits of oil pulling. However, it has been done in India for centuries and there have been several testimonial for oil pulling and its’ benefits.

You should try it because it can't hurt and you might just see the benefits. Also, it’s cheap and natural.